Captain Sir Tom Moore dies in hospital with coronavirus - BBC News

Captain Sir Tom Moore has died with coronavirus.

The 100-year-old, who raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden, was admitted to Bedford Hospital on Sunday.

The Queen led tributes to Capt Sir Tom, "recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world".

His daughters said they "shared laughter and tears" with their father in their final few hours together.

Announcing his death, Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira said the last year of their father's life had been "nothing short of remarkable".

He tested positive for Covid-19 last week. His family said due to other medication he was receiving for pneumonia, he was unable to be vaccinated.

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The Army veteran won the nation's hearts by walking 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire last year during the first lockdown, raising money for NHS Charities Together.

He was credited with lifting the nations's spirits and his saying "tomorrow will be a good day" trended on social media.

He was knighted by the Queen in July in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle.

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A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Capt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year. Her thoughts, and those of the royal family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world."

• A hero who gave a nation hope: Tom Moore obituary
• How Capt Sir Tom Moore became a nation's hero
• Captain Sir Tom Moore's life in pictures

In a statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country's deepest post-war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.

"He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family."

The flag above 10 Downing Street has been flying at half-mast in tribute and Mr Johnson has spoken to Mrs Ingram-Moore to offer his condolences.

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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "This is incredibly sad news. Captain Tom Moore put others first at a time of national crisis and was a beacon of hope for millions. Britain has lost a hero."

The daughters' statement said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father.

"We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime.

"We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.

"The last year of our father's life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he'd only ever dreamed of.

"Whilst he'd been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever."

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Capt Sir Tom's daughters said the care he received from the NHS was "extraordinary".

They said staff had been "unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate and have given us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined".

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Capt Sir Tom, who was originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, joined the Army at the beginning of World War Two, serving in India and Myanmar, then known as Burma.

He had initially set out to raise £1,000 for NHS charities by walking 82ft (25m)-loops of his garden.

But he eventually raised £32,794,701 from more than 1.5 million supporters, and was given the honorary title of colonel on his 100th birthday,

• How will Captain Tom Moore's millions be spent?
• Captain Tom's birthday cards opened by volunteers
• Captain Tom 'spirit' inspires artistic tributes

NHS Charities Together said that would rise to £39m when Gift Aid was taken into account.

Ellie Orton, chief executive, said the funds raised by Capt Sir Tom had "reached the length and breadth of the UK through every one of our 241 member charities".

She said he was "a one-off and he leaves the world a better place".

Ruth May, chief nursing officer for NHS England, said Capt Sir Tom Moore "has been the model of all that has been good about our country's response to Covid-19".

She said in a statement "for me his biggest achievement and most important contribution to helping my fellow nurses, doctors and all those in the NHS responding to coronavirus, has been how he brought the country together and gave us all a boost when we most needed it".

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Capt Sir Tom became the oldest person to have a UK number one single when he recorded You'll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball last year.

The singer said on Twitter: "A wonderful life so well lived and a hero and fighter to the very end. So very sad".

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2021-02-02 18:24:00Z
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Captain Sir Tom Moore dies in hospital with coronavirus - BBC News

Captain Sir Tom Moore has died with coronavirus.

The 100-year-old, who raised almost £33m for NHS charities, was taken to Bedford Hospital after requiring help with his breathing on Sunday.

The Queen led tributes to Capt Sir Tom, "recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world".

His daughters said they "shared laughter and tears" with their father in their final few hours together.

Announcing his death, Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira said the last year of their father's life had been "nothing short of remarkable".

He tested positive for Covid-19 last week. His family said due to other medication he was receiving for pneumonia, he was unable to be vaccinated.

Getty Images

The Army veteran won the nation's hearts by walking 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire last year during the first lockdown, raising money for NHS Charities Together.

He was knighted by the Queen in July in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Capt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year. Her thoughts, and those of the royal family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world."

• A hero who gave a nation hope: Tom Moore obituary
• How Capt Sir Tom Moore became a nation's hero
• Queen leads tributes to Captain Sir Tom Moore

In a statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country's deepest post-war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.

"He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family."

The flag above 10 Downing Street has been flying at half-mast in tribute and Mr Johnson has spoken to Mrs Ingram-Moore to offer his condolences.

Getty Images

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "This is incredibly sad news. Captain Tom Moore put others first at a time of national crisis and was a beacon of hope for millions. Britain has lost a hero."

The daughters' statement said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father.

"We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime.

"We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.

"The last year of our father's life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he'd only ever dreamed of.

"Whilst he'd been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever."

PA Media

Capt Sir Tom's daughters said the care he received from the NHS was "extraordinary".

They said staff had been "unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate and have given us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined".

Getty Images

Capt Sir Tom, who was originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, joined the Army at the beginning of World War Two, serving in India and Myanmar, then known as Burma.

He had initially set out to raise £1,000 for NHS charities by walking 82ft (25m)-loops of his garden.

But he eventually raised £32,794,701 from more than 1.5 million supporters, and was given the honorary title of colonel on his 100th birthday,

• Captain Sir Tom Moore's life in pictures
• Captain Tom's birthday cards opened by volunteers
• Captain Tom 'spirit' inspires artistic tributes

NHS Charities Together said that would rise to £39m when Gift Aid was taken into account.

Ellie Orton, chief executive, said the funds raised by Capt Sir Tom had "reached the length and breadth of the UK through every one of our 241 member charities".

She said he was "a one-off and he leaves the world a better place".

Capt Sir Tom became the oldest person to have a UK number one single when he recorded You'll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball last year.

The singer said on Twitter: "A wonderful life so well lived and a hero and fighter to the very end. So very sad".

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk

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2021-02-02 17:41:00Z
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Covid-19: Captain Sir Tom Moore dies with coronavirus - BBC News

Captain Sir Tom Moore has died with coronavirus.

The 100-year-old, who raised almost £33m for the NHS, was taken to Bedford Hospital after requiring help with his breathing on Sunday.

His daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore said he had been treated for pneumonia over the past few weeks and last week tested positive for Covid-19.

The Army veteran won the nation's hearts by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.

• A hero who gave a nation hope: Tom Moore obituary
• How Capt Sir Tom Moore became a nation's hero
• Capt Sir Tom Moore knighted in 'unique' ceremony

In a statement, Capt Sir Tom's daughters Mrs Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore.

"We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime.

"We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.

"The last year of our father's life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he'd only ever dreamed of.

"Whilst he'd been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts forever."

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Capt Sir Tom's daughters said the care he received from the NHS was "extraordinary".

They said staff had been "unfalteringly professional, kind and compassionate and have given us many more years with him than we ever would have imagined".

The Army veteran, originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, came to prominence by walking 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, before his 100th birthday during the first national lockdown.

Capt Tom joined the Army at the beginning of World War Two, serving in India and Myanmar, then known as Burma.

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2021-02-02 16:16:00Z
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Covid-19: 'Critical' those in South African variant test areas stay at home - BBC News

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It is "critical" that people in areas singled out for enhanced testing for the South African variant stay at home, the health secretary has said.

Matt Hancock told MPs those in affected postcodes should only go out when "absolutely essential".

On-the-spot doorstep tests, home testing kits and mobile testing units will be deployed in a number of areas.

The aim is to reach 80,000 people, amid fears the more infectious variant may be spreading in communities in England.

• South Africa coronavirus variant: What's the risk?
• How worrying are the new coronavirus variants?

Gene sequencing has so far uncovered 105 cases of the variant, which - like the variant previously discovered in Kent - is thought to be more contagious although not more deadly.

Eleven of the cases of the South African variant had no link to foreign travel, prompting concerns it is spreading in the community.

Dr Susan Hopkins from Public Health England said the existing vaccines may offer less protection against the South African variant, although they still offer a good level of immunity.

"Surge testing" means that over-16s who live or work in these areas will be asked to take tests whether or not they have symptoms:

• Parts of the W7 and W13 postcode areas in Hanwell and West Ealing in west London
• Parts of the ME15 postcode area in Kent
• Parts of the WS2 postcode area in Walsall in the West Midlands
• Parts of the GU21 postcode area in Woking, Surrey
• Parts of the PR9 postcode area in Southport
• The CR4 postcode area around Pollards Hill in south London
• Tottenham Hale in the N17 postcode area of north London
• The EN10 postcode area in Broxbourne

In most of the areas, home testing kits are being delivered and collected, while some local authorities are also providing mobile testing sites. The tests will be PCR ones, which involve swabbing the nose or throat and are regarded as the most reliable.

The health secretary told the Commons: "We have also seen 11 cases of mutations of concern in Bristol and 32 in Liverpool, and are taking the same approach.

"In all these areas it is imperative that people must stay at home and only leave home where it is absolutely essential."

He also urged people to take a test if offered one by their local authority.

'Why not test all the postcode?'

By Suzanne Leigh, BBC News

Hanwell, W7, is arguably one of London's best kept secrets. There's a village-like feel in parts and a carnival, a free music festival, a zoo - all either cancelled or closed at the moment, of course.

But still open are the wide spaces of parkland. The River Brent and Grand Union canal thread through and the area is a haven for wildlife. Red kites can regularly be seen hovering over the golf course; herons and an egret are a frequent sight and if you're really lucky you'll spot a water rail or kingfisher. Bats nestle under the viaduct, anecdotally a favourite spot of Queen Victoria's - she would request that her train pause there so she could admire the view.

It's a bit quieter than usual this morning. People are noticeably giving each other more space and the only hubbub is around the newly opened vaccination centre at the church hall.

But there's also confusion. Why not test all of the postcode? Why aren't there more test appointments?

There are roads split between those deemed to be in the danger zone and those outside it. How does that work?

Meanwhile, travellers arriving in Scotland from abroad may be asked to quarantine in a hotel to minimise the risk of new variants entering the country, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

She told MSPs her government intended to introduce a "managed quarantine requirement" for anyone who arrives directly into Scotland, regardless of which country they have come from.

The first minister added that she could not "unilaterally" impose these restrictions on people landing elsewhere in the UK and travelling to Scotland, but hoped the other administrations would work with the Scottish government to reduce the number of people doing so.

The policy goes further than the new quarantine system for England, which is due to be introduced in the coming weeks and only requires those arriving from countries under travel bans to isolate in hotels.

Labour has called for hotel quarantine to apply to all UK arrivals.

• NEW VARIANTS: How worried should we be?
• VACCINE: When will I get the jab?
• LOCKDOWN TIPS: Five ways to stay positive
• TEST AND TRACE: How does it work?

In December, the discovery of the new strain prompted a ban on foreign nationals travelling into the UK from South Africa and later from southern African countries.

Under current restrictions, people arriving into England from anywhere outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man need to isolate at home for 10 days and provide a negative Covid test result before travel.

According to the Times, the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) warned Downing Street that only closing the borders or introducing mandatory quarantine for all would stop new variants entering the UK.

But a government source told the BBC the report was "not accurate" and the prime minister "was not advised to stop all travel".

Completely stopping the spread of the South African variant is probably not realistic.

For one thing, these 11 cases have only been spotted by random checks on 5-10% of all positive cases. There are bound to be more.

So why the testing blitz? It's because of the delicate position we're in.

Vaccination is being rolled out quickly and many vulnerable people are building up immunity.

Anything that interferes with that will have significant consequences - so even just slowing the spread will be really beneficial.

But once vaccination is complete and there is significant immunity across the population, the impact of mutations becomes much more diluted.

This is why maximum vigilance is needed now, but in the long-term we can still be confident we can get on top of this pandemic.

Viruses mutate, but coronaviruses - certainly compared to the flu, which sees different strains circulating every year - tend to be relatively stable.

So, even with the mutations we are seeing, the vaccines still offer a very good degree of protection - even if that protection is not quite as high as it was against the original form of the virus.

What's more, it is relatively straightforward with this generation of vaccines to re-engineer them to work better against the mutations that have been seen.

In other developments:

• The variant first discovered in Kent appears to be undergoing some "worrying" genetic changes already seen in the South African and Brazilian variants, scientists say
• There were more than 9,000 deaths linked to Covid in the UK in the week ending 22 January, up by nearly 1,300 on the week before, an analysis of death certificates shows
• Scotland's youngest pupils are likely to return to the classroom full time from 22 February as schools start a phased reopening

• CHINA AND THE PANDEMIC: The gulf between what Chinese officials knew and what they told the world...
• FOOTBALL, RACISM AND ME: Anton Ferdinand explores racism in the game from a personal perspective

Do you live in an area where the South Africa variant is suspected? Tell us your concerns by emailing: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

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• Or fill out the form below
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If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2021-02-02 15:42:00Z
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COVID-19: Nicola Sturgeon aims for phased return of Scotland schools within three weeks - Sky News

A phased return of pupils to classrooms in Scotland could begin from 22 February, the first minister has announced.

Nicola Sturgeon revealed the news as she confirmed the country's COVID-19 lockdown restrictions would be extended until at least the end of February.

Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world

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Sturgeon: Aim for school return to begin from 22 February

Ms Sturgeon said the measures were having an effect, noting that the prevalence of the virus has fallen in Scotland, but stressed "continued caution" was required with pressure on the NHS still "severe".

She held out the prospect of a "careful and gradual" easing of restrictions from the start of next month, if progress continues to be made, adding she would update MSPs on a possible relaxation of measures in two weeks.

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On schools, the first minister told the Scottish parliament the announcement of a phased return was "intended to give young people, parents and teachers as much notice as possible".

But Ms Sturgeon stressed the decision was "subject to continued progress in suppressing the virus and will be subject to final confirmation in two weeks' time".

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If the return does begin on the intended date, all children under school age in early learning and childcare would return.

Pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 3 would also go back to the classroom, along with those in the senior phase of secondary school.

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Ms Sturgeon said older pupils would only be allowed back to make sure practical work important to their qualifications was finished, while only between 5% and 8% of any school's roll should be permitted to return.

The intended return date is two weeks earlier than the date proposed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the reopening of schools in England.

Ms Sturgeon said the return of pupils would be supported by an expansion of testing, with older pupils and anyone working in schools or childcare settings routinely tested twice a week.

"We are determined to get our children back to normal schooling just as quickly as it is safe to do so. It is our overriding priority," the first minister said.

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January: Scotland to go into national lockdown

Ms Sturgeon also announced that a "managed quarantine" system will be introduced for all arrivals into Scotland, regardless of where travellers have come from.

This goes further than England's system, which will see mandatory quarantine for arrivals from more than 30 "red list countries".

"The firm view of the Scottish government is that in order to minimise the risk of new strains coming into the country, managed quarantine must be much more comprehensive," Ms Sturgeon said.

"I can therefore confirm today that we intend to introduce a managed quarantine requirement for anyone who arrives directly into Scotland, regardless of which country they have come from."

The first minister acknowledged she could not "unilaterally" impose such restrictions on people landing elsewhere in the UK and then travelling to Scotland.

But Ms Sturgeon expressed her hope that the UK's other nations would work with the Scottish government to reduce the number of people doing this.

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2021-02-02 15:22:30Z
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COVID-19: More 'mutations of concern' found in Bristol and Liverpool, says Matt Hancock - Sky News

More coronavirus "mutations of concern" have been found in Bristol and Liverpool, the health secretary has announced.

Matt Hancock said 11 cases were identified in Bristol and 32 in Liverpool, so the government will extend the door-to-door testing currently underway in eight postcodes where the South African COVID-19 variant has been spread by community transmission.

In a statement to the Commons on Tuesday, he said: "In all these areas it is imperative that people must stay at home and only leave home where it is absolutely essential.

Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world

Image: Door-to-door testing is being launched in ten areas now

"When your local authority offers you a test you should take up the offer, because we know that one in three people with coronavirus have no symptoms but can still pass it on.

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"We're offering testing to everyone aged 16 and over, even if you have been vaccinated.

"And if you live in one of those areas but have not been contacted and you're unsure if you should have a test, I encourage you to visit your local authority website to find out."

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Mr Hancock also said residents living in postcodes that border those where "surge testing" is being rolled out will also be offered tests "where it is epidemiologically sensible".

He reiterated there is "no evidence" the South African variant is any more lethal, but it is believed to be more transmissible.

"We have to come down on it hard - our mission must be to stop its spread altogether," the health secretary said.

And he announced 9.2 million people have now been given their first coronavirus jab.

Mr Hancock faced questions about the government's border plan to protect against news variants, after it was accused of being "reckless".

Image: 9.2 million people have now been given their first coronavirus jab

It emerged overnight that scientific advisers warned ministers on 21 January 2021 that only mandatory hotel quarantine for all travellers to the UK would come close to fully preventing the import of new coronavirus variants.

The policy announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week applies to UK nationals and residents returning from 30 "red list" countries - and there is no start date for the measure.

Mr Hancock rebuffed criticism, saying "we brought in tougher action at the border and we stand ready to do more".

In parts of Kent where the South African variant has been discovered, around 10,000 people will be tested.

Earlier, the government was warned the number of cases of the variant was likely much higher than the official number - currently 105.

Professor Andrew Hayward, who sits on the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group, said that was a "big underestimate" of the true number and only "the tip of the iceberg of community transmission".

Meanwhile in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced lockdown will last until at least the end of February - though schools will begin a phased return from the 22nd, if progress continues to be made suppressing the virus.

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2021-02-02 14:01:09Z
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Covid: Scottish schools to start phased return this month - BBC News

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Scotland's youngest pupils are likely to return to the classroom full time from 22 February as schools start a phased reopening.

The move will include all pupils in P1-P3 as well as pre-school children.

There will also be a part-time return, but on a very limited basis, for senior secondary pupils to allow them to complete work for national qualifications.

A final decision will be taken on the partial reopening in a fortnight.

Further details of the next phase of the gradual return to schools will also be set out at that point, alongside a timescale for the return of in-person learning for colleges and universities.

All of the country's other lockdown restrictions will remain in place until at least the end of the month, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

The first minister said the government intended to allow "small increases" in existing provision for children and young people with significant additional support needs from 22 February.

And she said there would be a "significant expansion" of testing in schools and nurseries in the coming weeks.

Ms Sturgeon also stressed that the schools announcement was dependent on the virus continuing to be suppressed.

Schools across Scotland have been closed to the vast majority of pupils since the Christmas holidays, with learning being done at home and online.

Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament that she wanted to see children back in full-time, face to face education as soon as possible.

And she said she was acutely aware of the wider health, developmental and social harms being experienced by young people while they were not in school, and of the pressure school closures was putting on working parents and family life.

But she said the current state of the pandemic and the need to protect the country as much as possible from the virus meant that her options for reopening schools were limited.

She added: "The judgment the Cabinet arrived at this morning, based on the advice of our expert advisers, is that if we all agree to abide with the lockdown restrictions for a bit longer - so that our progress in suppressing the virus continues - we can begin a phased, albeit gradual, return to school from 22 February."

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2021-02-02 14:39:00Z
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